Pictured is Mayor Mika Hatanpää, Employee of the Year 2025 Kari Kurunmäki and Director of Administration and Human Resources Anna Vanhahonko. Photo: Aimo Haapakoski / Kuvaseura Pikseli

The City of Kankaanpää held its staff party on Friday evening, September 5. This time, the party was held on the beach stage at Venesjärvi. The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the city's Employee of the Year 2025.

The Employee/Work Community of the Year is selected annually in the Kankaanpää City organization, and all personnel are invited to submit their nominations by the deadline. The Cooperation Committee selects the best of the nominations, and the final selection is made by the Mayor.

Classroom teacher Kari Kurunmäki was chosen as the city's Employee of the Year 2025

Mayor Mika Hatanpää raised the following arguments, among others, in his announcement speech:

• A creator of good spirit. He has strong professional skills. Good interaction skills. Everything that is needed today with children and the support and security of the work community.
• He is really good with his students: he can rev like a diesel engine, his interactions with his students are always respectful, and even challenging situations end well.
• He is a powerhouse in the work community: he has many additional responsibilities and is also a considerate and cooperative coworker.
• Always happy and positive. The absolute fun-loving guy at the school in the city center. Takes everything into account and keeps the conversation flowing, no matter what the topic.
• He is a sympathetic teacher. Encourages young people and children to study. Has a sense of humor and creates a good spirit. An ambassador for sports.

Career anniversaries

Mayor Mika Hatanpää and Director of Administration and Human Resources Anna Vanhahonko At the event, they also handed out commemorative badges to city employees who have had long careers. Four people celebrated 40 years of service, seven celebrated 30 years, and eight celebrated 20 years.